Mercy Health – Springfield Plans to “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer”

Mercy Health – Springfield is once again planning to host the “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer” event to help raise awareness surrounding early detection of lung cancer.

​“We are really focused on getting into the community to talk to people about the importance of lung cancer screening,” said Mercy Health Lung Care Coordinator Angela Wagner, RN. “We are so thankful for the grant from Gala of Hope that will allow us to grow this program that will hopefully help us save lives and catch lung cancer in its earliest stage where cure is possible. We want to break down the stigma of lung cancer.”

Nearly a quarter of the people who die from cancer were diagnosed with lung cancer. In fact, it’s responsible for more deaths in Clark and Champaign counties than any other cancer. The problem is often late diagnosis, with 75% of lung cancer cases being discovered after it’s already reached an advanced stage. The survival rate in Stage 1 is around 80%, but that drops to below 5% when diagnosis comes in stage 4. 
​

To promote early detection, Mercy Health – Springfield is hosting the “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer” event at the State Theater, 19 South Fountain Avenue in Springfield from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 14th. The goal is to provide education and promote awareness, which will include a large inflatable lung to give attendees an up-close look at the dangerous effects lung cancer can have.

Mercy Health pulmonologist Dr. David Monjot will be the guest speaker for this event. The “Shine a Light on Lung Cancer” event will also host a variety of vendors as well as staff from Mercy Health to provide information on services and treatments available to patients. Additionally, there will be a tribute to honor, celebrate, and remember those who have been touched by lung cancer.

###

Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health  one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland.  Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service, and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. To learn more, visit mercy.com.